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The Street Child World Cup kicks off in Mexico City
The Street Child World Cup has begun, with 30 teams of street connected young people travelling from across the world to declare together: I AM SOMEBODY.
Today, the Street Child World Cup kicks off in Mexico City, with 30 teams of street connected young people travelling from across the world to take part.
We are holding the tournament in partnership with Fútbol Más Mexico, and it will close with the final match on Thursday 14th May.
The Street Child World Cup – our flagship event – uses the power of football to give street-connected young people a platform to speak directly to those in power and turn visibility into commitments that drive lasting change.
There are 150 million children around the world who do not officially exist. Street-connected young people everywhere are unable to make their voices heard and lack the opportunity to communicate with those in power. By giving these young people a voice, we empower them to communicate their needs, shape their futures, and bring about meaningful change.
The event finishes with the General Assembly, during which the participants discuss and document their asks of those in power, which they then take back to their home countries in order to campaign for change.
Sponsors of the 2026 Street Child World Cup include Government of Mexico – IMSS, Lenovo, and the Embassy of Canada.
John Wroe, CEO of Street Child United said: “Years of preparation and excitement have led us to this moment. SCU has been supported by multiple partners, sponsors and supporters. Pulling off a global event of this size is no mean feat, but I always say that the world conspires with us, and we have been overwhelmed with support every step of the way.
“My thanks go to our partners Fútbol Más, who have been instrumental in bringing the tournament to fruition, and to the British Embassy in Mexico City, whose team have been incredibly supportive throughout.
“Without an official identity, street-connected young people face barriers to vital services such as healthcare and education. We are committed to giving these young people a platform to have their voices heard and drive lasting change in their communities and globally. Together, they will declare to the world: ‘I am somebody."
Ignacio Gómez, Executive Director of Fútbol Más México, said: “We are honoured to be working with the Street Child United team to deliver the Street Child World Cup. As a great footballing nation, Mexico is the perfect host nation and, from our experience of working with SCU on previous tournaments, we know the excitement, power and lasting change the events can bring.
“We cannot wait to welcome everyone, and support SCU in delivering a tournament full of football, advocacy and connection."
This year’s Street Child World Cup culminates in a North American Tour, which will take in cities including Mexico City, Seattle, Miami, Washington DC., New York, and Toronto before finishing at the UN in New York City.
